Tuesday, 22 January 2008

It’s official: Right is wrong when it comes towhich side to get out of bed

Experts put an age-old debate to rest

Monday 14th January 2008: Anyone getting up in a less than positive frame of mind this gloomy Monday may be asked, “What’s up with you this morning? Get out of the wrong side of bed?”

But what is ‘the wrong side’? Boffins at leading hotel chain, Premier Inn, have settled the answer to that age-old question once and for all. They announce today that when it comes to getting out of bed, RIGHT IS WRONG and we should all be aiming to get up on the LEFT.

The conclusion was made following hot debate by experts from the fields of sleep science, Feng Shui and psychology. Dr Chris Alford, Jan Cisek and Pete Cohen studied the phenomenon and applied principles from their various fields to help Premier Inn’s team determine that the left side is in fact the right [correct] side.

Premier Inn spokesperson, Sarah Simpson, says the study was commissioned as an extension of Premier Inn’s unique ‘Good Night Guarantee’, offering guests their money back if they don’t have a good night’s sleep:

“We wanted to take this one step further and ensure our guests’ good night’s sleep isn’t spoiled and they have a great day ahead.”

How the conclusion was made:Principles of Feng Shui and elements of known left-brain function helped to establish the conclusion.

According to the Feng Shui principle of Bagua; creating harmony through the use of space, the left side of the bed is associated with what we hold dear – family and health, money and power (knowledge).

Feng Shui expert Jan Cisek says: “By getting out of bed on the left side, you direct positive energy into the corresponding areas of your life. It is a powerful tool that can also be used to help you arrange your bed when you’re staying away from home”.

The study further determined that getting out of bed on the correct side goes beyond just the physical action of getting out on the left side. It also includes the use of the left side of the brain to prepare the mind for having the best possible day.

The left side of the brain is responsible for logical and analytical function. Psychology and motivation expert Pete Cohen says it is this side we use to think rationally about the day ahead:

“Before getting out of bed on the left, consider the day and its benefits. The right side of the brain is responsible for emotions like fear and stress, which only dilute your potential for having a positive experience”.

What if I got out of the ‘wrong side’ of bed this morning?The study produced simple techniques Brits can use to help salvage a day that has begun badly from getting out of bed on the wrong side.

Sleep expert Dr Alford says one of the key techniques is reducing the sleep chemicals that build up in the brain over the course of a day, contributing to feelings of irritability and lethargy:

“By taking a power nap or going into a meditative state for twenty minutes, you can reduce the level of sleep chemicals and start your day over feeling more relaxed and calm.”

Thursday, 3 January 2008

Experience the latest health, beauty & well-being innovations all under one roof!

For the latest trends in health, beauty and well-being in 2008, why not book yourself and your best friend tickets for the ultimate girl’s day out, The Vitality Show with Muller ®? Jam-packed with lots of great brands, experiential show features and experts all under one roof, The Vitality Show is the ‘must go’ event for women in the UK.

Brands such as Dermalogica, Benefit Cosmetics and Aveda will be showcasing the very latest innovations, products and ideas enabling women to get a sneak preview of what’s hot and what’s not for 2008. Not only a great shopping event, with loads of great brands all together the show’s new experiential features include: The Happiness Theatre where visitors can attend happiness and friendship workshops; The Fitness Arena complete with trampolines for visitors to try out, free hair consultations and styling courtesy of the award winning Hobs Salon and the Luxury Beauty Hall ;as well as the ever popular fabulous Fashion Catwalk.

World class experts will also be on hand to offer advice and insights across the world of health, beauty and well-being ensuring visitors to the show can pick up hot tips to take home and share with their friends.

The Vitality Show with Muller®, is Europe’s largest health, beauty and well-being show is back bigger and better than ever.

For a day packed with the latest and best in beauty, health and well-being, as well as inspirational advice, secrets, hints and tips from the experts, make The Vitality Show 2008 top of yours and your best friend’s diary!

Tickets to the show cost £17 on the door or £14 in advance. For further information visit the website www.thevitalityshow.co.uk or book your tickets by calling 0844 415 4416

This spring, America’s most renowned shoe designer, Steve Madden hits the UK with a stunning collection of high fashion footwear. Steve Madden has been a success story in the United States for the last 20 years, and boasts a wide celebrity fan base including Hilary Duff, Hayden Panettiere, Rihanna, Kirsten Dunst and Daryl Hannah.

There is also a selection of crossover styles that are perfect for the office or a night out on the town. These styles include round toe courts in bi-colour leather, towering wedges, stiletto shoe-boots with patent detailing and open toe platforms in a variety of bold spring colour-ways.

For a touch of the exotic, animal print is key to the collection. Significant styles include a sleek leopard print stiletto with gold buckle and trim, cute round-toe leopard print pumps and sophisticated zebra print high-heeled sandals. Each style from the new Steve Madden collection is unique and exactly what the British shoe lover has been waiting for – designer footwear fit for the high street!

Fila UK, the iconic Italian sportswear brand, are launching their first shop- in- shop concept exclusively with Microzine at their Liverpool site. As one of the most unique lifestyle stores specifically for men, Microzine will be housing bespoke classic 1970s Wimbledon style tennis lockers and benches which will display both the Fila Vintage White Line apparel, footwear and selected Fila Gold seasonal collections. Bringing iconic Fila pieces to the heart of Liverpool, the space will allow customers to see the best of Fila including limited edition styles such as the Matchday in black & gardenia.

The Fila shop-in-shop is a first for Microzine and the partnership has been agreed for one year rolling out to Microzine’s London store during 2008; and with a view to continue into 2009. Chris Lee, founder of Microzine comments “Our retail concept has always been about introducing to the public anything that is new and different and we think the success of Fila as a fashion brand has great synergy with this. We have worked closely with Fila and their designers to create some exclusive pieces and really bring the brand to life creatively in store.”

Marc Travis, Marketing Manager at Fila UK says, “The shop-in-shop concept is a direct way of communicating with our key customer base through an already successful retail shop and we are looking forward to working closing with Microzine to create, exclusive exciting pieces.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:The shop-in-shop will not only support wholesale business but also reflect Fila’s classic heritage and successful casuals aesthetic.